The Swedes have scored the most goals (69) of all teams in the Allsvenskan league. On the European stage, Häcken have had a relatively high number of shots on goal but the conversion rate leaves room for improvement. The team have lost all six games in European competitions in the past and conceded 21 goals (3.5 per game) and only scored three (0.5 per game) along the way.
Meanwhile good omens for the opposition: Bayer 04 have won all three previous games against Swedish clubs in Europe – 1986/87 in the UEFA Cup at home and away to Kalmar FF plus the game on matchday one in the current Europa League campaign against Häcken (4-0). And: The Black and Reds have won all four games in the Europa League this season. A fifth win would be historic as the last time there were five wins in succession in Europe was in the UEFA Cup in 1994/95.
The Swedish league season ended for Häcken three weeks ago. The champions of last season finished third this term and also won the Swedish Cup. As Häcken have not played another game since 12 November, the team prepared for the match against Bayer 04 with a friendly last Friday. The Black and Yellows, at home at the Ullevi in Gothenburg, beat Norwegian second division team Kongsvinger IL 2-1.
Häcken are bottom of the table in Group H of the Europa League with no points to date. All four games ended in defeat, sometimes significantly so. The 4-0 reverse at the Werkself was followed by a 1-0 defeat at home to Qarabag and most recently two defeats (1-5, 1-3) against Molde. Together with TSC Backa Topola, group opponents for SC Freiburg, Häcken have conceded 13 goals and that is the equal highest of all the 32 teams participating in the competition. The lowdown on the next opponents.
UEFA has appointed the Austrian Julian Weinberger as the referee the match in Gothenburg. The 38-year-old will be assisted by his fellow countrymen Andreas Heidenreich and Maximilian Kolbitsch on the touchlines and another Austrian Walter Altmann is the VAR.
As usual, Werkself Radio is available for anybody unable to be at today's game. The audio broadcast begins 30 minutes before kick-off with commentary provided by Cedric Pick. In addition, the live text update service will keep you up-to-date to ensure you don't miss any of the key match action. Both Werkself Radio and the live text update service are available at bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app.
We are taking the Day of German Unity and the anniversary as an opportunity to tell a story that befits the subject - that of Falko Götz. The long-serving player, who currently works in scouting at Bayer 04, spoke to bayer04.de about his youth in the GDR, his escape during an away game in Belgrade and how he identifies with Bayer 04.
Show more
With seven points from five games, Union Berlin have made a decent start to the season. Particularly in the wins against VfB Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt, the Irons, who are otherwise known for their strong defence, impressively demonstrated they also have a lot to offer in attack. They will be looking to prove this once again at the BayArena on Saturday, 4 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST, match on Sky and highlights on DAZN). The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
Derby time in the Rhineland! After a successful September, the Bayer 04 Women are away to FC Köln on Sunday, 4 October. In the Bundesliga match kicking off at 18:30 CEST at the Franz Kremer Stadium (live on MagentaSport and DAZN), coach Roberto Pätzold is counting on the return of a number of players who have been absent through injury.
Show more
Bayer 04 have extended the contract with Argentinian World Cup winner Exequiel Palacios with his current contract due to run out in the summer of 2028. The midfielder, currently unavailable due to injury, has signed a new contract with the Bundesliga club that runs to 30 June 2030.
Show more
Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Axel Tape for the time being.
Show more
